The continuous scientific advance of our time helps us to better understand the cause and characteristics of many pathologies or traits of individuals. Genetic markers have become known thanks to these advances and, therefore, we can learn more about diseases and their prevention. What is a genetic marker and what is it for? Here we tell you what you should know.
What are genes?
Genes are segments of DNA that are passed down from parent to child and contain basic information about how the cell should function. These genes are responsible for each individual being as they are, both inside their body and in their appearance.
Genes are found as part of chromosomes, which is the structure in which DNA is organized. These chromosomes, in turn, are located in the nucleus of each cell. That is, all the cells in our body have the same genetic material in their nucleus and this will give the instructions to function. The set of genes is called the genome.
In addition, the genetic information of each person will be unique. It will be determined by the mix of maternal and paternal genes. Each gene can have many variations between different people and, in addition, mutations can occur in them.
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